If your iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo, keeps showing the Apple logo and restarting, or will not reach the Lock Screen, start with a force restart. If that does not work, use Recovery Mode and choose Update before Restore to reinstall iOS without intentionally erasing your data. Apple recommends Recovery Mode when an iPhone remains on the Apple logo for several minutes without a progress bar or cannot complete startup.
Quick fix
If there is no progress bar, perform the correct force restart for your iPhone. If the Apple logo has a progress bar that is still moving, do not immediately restart the phone an update, restore, or migration may still be processing.
Table of Contents
First: Which Apple Logo Problem Do You Have?
The exact symptom matters.
| What you see | What to do |
|---|---|
| Apple logo stays on screen with no progress bar | Force restart → Recovery Mode Update |
| Apple logo appears, disappears, then appears again | Force restart → Recovery Mode Update |
| Apple logo with a progress bar | Allow the update, restore, or migration to finish |
| Progress bar has not moved for at least one hour after migration or backup restore | Recovery Mode → Update |
| Connect-to-computer screen | Connect to Mac/PC → Recovery Mode Update |
| Completely black screen | Follow an iPhone black-screen troubleshooting guide |
| Phone becomes extremely hot | Stop troubleshooting and seek service |
Apple specifically distinguishes an Apple logo with a progress bar from an Apple logo that remains on screen without one. A progress bar can move slowly or temporarily appear unchanged during an update, restore, or migration.
1. Force Restart Your iPhone
This is the first fix to try.
A force restart is appropriate when the iPhone is frozen, stuck at the Apple logo, or repeatedly restarting.
It does not intentionally erase your photos, apps, messages, or other personal data. Apple recommends force restarting an unresponsive iPhone.
iPhone 8, iPhone X, and newer
This also includes iPhone SE 2nd generation and later.
- Quickly press and release Volume Up.
- Quickly press and release Volume Down.
- Press and hold the Side button.
- Keep holding the Side button even when the Apple logo appears.
- Release the button when the iPhone restarts.
The Apple logo may take several seconds to appear.
Important
Do not press all three buttons simultaneously.
The sequence is:
Volume Up → Volume Down → Hold Side button
iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus
- Press and hold the Side button.
- At the same time, press and hold Volume Down.
- Keep holding both buttons.
- Release them when the Apple logo appears.
- Wait for the iPhone to start.
iPhone 6s, iPhone SE 1st generation, or earlier
- Press and hold the Home button.
- At the same time, press and hold the Side or Top button.
- Keep holding both buttons.
- Release them when the Apple logo appears.
- Wait for startup to finish.
If the iPhone starts normally
You are done.
The force restart may have cleared a temporary startup failure, but it does not prove exactly what caused the problem.
If it returns to the Apple logo
Continue to the next step.
2. If There Is a Progress Bar, Let It Finish
This step is important because an iPhone with an Apple logo and progress bar is not necessarily frozen.
This commonly occurs after:
- iOS updates
- Restoring from a backup
- Erasing the iPhone
- Moving data from another iPhone
- Setting up a replacement iPhone
Apple says the progress bar can move slowly or temporarily appear stuck, and in some situations it can reach the end and then start again.
What to do
- Connect the iPhone to reliable power.
- Leave it connected.
- Do not repeatedly force restart it.
- Watch whether the progress bar moves.
- If an updating message appears, allow the process to continue.
How long should you wait?
There is no universal number of minutes that applies to every update or restore.
For an Apple logo with a progress bar after restoring from a backup or migrating from another device, Apple specifically says to confirm that the progress bar has not moved for at least one hour before proceeding to Recovery Mode.
If the progress bar has genuinely stopped, continue below.
3. Charge the iPhone if the Battery May Be Low
A restart loop can become worse if the iPhone does not have enough power to complete startup.
Try this if:
- The phone was almost empty before the problem started.
- The iPhone shuts off during startup.
- You see the low-battery icon.
- The iPhone repeatedly starts and immediately shuts down.
Steps
- Inspect the charging cable and adapter.
- Do not use visibly damaged charging equipment.
- Connect the iPhone directly to a reliable power source.
- Leave it charging for up to one hour.
- Disconnect unnecessary accessories.
- Try the correct force restart again.
Apple recommends charging an iPhone for one hour when it will not turn on, then trying a force restart.
If the Apple logo still loops
Move to Recovery Mode.
4. Use Recovery Mode and Choose Update
This is the most important advanced fix.
If your iPhone remains stuck on the Apple logo or repeatedly restarts after a force restart, Apple’s recommended recovery path is to connect the device to a computer and use Recovery Mode.
The important part is:
Choose Update before Restore.
The Update option attempts to reinstall iOS without intentionally erasing your personal data.
The Restore option erases the iPhone.
What You Need
You need:
- A Mac or Windows PC
- A reliable USB data cable
- Internet access
- An up-to-date Mac, or the Apple Devices app on Windows
On a current Mac, use Finder.
On Windows, use the Apple Devices app.
Older supported systems may use iTunes.
Put iPhone 8 or Later Into Recovery Mode
- Connect the iPhone to the computer.
- Quickly press and release Volume Up.
- Quickly press and release Volume Down.
- Press and hold the Side button.
- Keep holding the Side button when the Apple logo appears.
- Continue holding until the Connect to computer screen appears.
- Release the Side button.
Put iPhone 7 or 7 Plus Into Recovery Mode
- Connect the iPhone to the computer.
- Press and hold the Side button.
- At the same time, press and hold Volume Down.
- Keep holding until the Connect to computer screen appears.
Put iPhone 6s or Earlier Into Recovery Mode
- Connect the iPhone to the computer.
- Press and hold the Home button.
- At the same time, press and hold the Side or Top button.
- Keep holding until the Connect to computer screen appears.
These Recovery Mode sequences are documented by Apple.
5. Choose “Update” – Not “Restore”
Once the computer detects the iPhone, you should see options to Update or Restore.
Choose:
Update
not Restore.
The Update process attempts to reinstall iOS while preserving your personal data.
Keep the iPhone connected throughout the process.
Important
Do not:
- Disconnect the cable.
- Shut down the computer.
- Close the recovery application.
- Repeatedly restart the iPhone.
Let the update complete.
Apple specifically recommends trying Update before Restore when Update has not already been attempted.
What If the Download Takes More Than 15 Minutes?
This can happen.
Apple notes that if the software download takes more than 15 minutes, the iPhone may leave the Recovery Mode screen.
If that happens:
- Let the computer finish downloading the software.
- Put the iPhone into Recovery Mode again.
- Repeat the Update process.
Do not assume that leaving Recovery Mode during a long download means the iPhone is permanently damaged.
6. Restore the iPhone Only If Update Fails
Warning: Restore erases the iPhone.
Do this only after trying the non-erasing Recovery Mode Update.
A Restore reinstalls iOS and erases the device. Any data that exists only on the iPhone and is not backed up may be lost.
Before choosing Restore
Ask yourself:
- Do I have an iCloud backup?
- Do I have a computer backup?
- Are my photos synchronized with iCloud?
- Is there important data stored only on this iPhone?
- Have I already tried Recovery Mode Update?
If the data is irreplaceable and you do not have a backup, do not rush into Restore.
Professional assistance may be the better option.
How to Restore
- Connect the iPhone to the computer.
- Open Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes as applicable.
- Enter Recovery Mode.
- Select the iPhone.
- Choose Restore.
- Read the data-loss warning.
- Continue only if you accept the consequences.
- Keep the iPhone connected.
- Allow iOS to download and install.
- Wait for the setup screen.
- Restore your backup if one is available.
If Restore succeeds
Set up the iPhone normally.
If the iPhone boots successfully after a clean restore, the startup problem may have been caused by software corruption. However, a successful restore does not prove the exact original cause.
If Restore fails repeatedly
Record the error message or error code.
Repeated recovery failures make a hardware or connection problem more plausible, especially when combined with physical damage or other symptoms.
7. When the iPhone Restart Loop Is Probably a Hardware Problem
A boot loop does not automatically mean hardware failure.
But hardware becomes more suspicious when the restart loop occurs together with:
- A recent drop
- Liquid exposure
- A swollen battery
- Screen lifting from the frame
- Excessive heat
- Damaged buttons
- A damaged charging port
- Intermittent charging
- Repeated Recovery Mode errors
- The computer failing to detect the iPhone
- Restore repeatedly failing
- The same Apple-logo loop returning immediately after a successful restore
These symptoms do not identify a specific failed component.
For example, a repeated restore failure does not automatically mean the storage chip is defective.
It means the software recovery process is not completing successfully and further diagnosis may be necessary.
What If the iPhone Keeps Restarting Every Few Minutes?
If the iPhone reaches the Apple logo, shuts down, and then displays the Apple logo again, you are dealing with a restart loop / boot loop.
Try this order:
1. Disconnect accessories
Remove:
- USB accessories
- Hubs
- Adapters
- External storage
- Headphones
- Other connected accessories
2. Force restart: Use the correct button sequence for your model.
3. If the loop continues :Use Recovery Mode.
4. Choose Update: Try the non-erasing option first.
5. If Update fails: Consider Restore only if you accept data loss.
6. If recovery repeatedly fails: Seek professional service.
What If the Apple Logo Is Completely Frozen?
If there is:
Apple logo + no progress bar
Perform a force restart. If the iPhone returns to the same screen, use Recovery Mode.
Apple logo + progress bar
Do not immediately force restart it. Allow the update, restore, or migration to finish. If the progress bar remains unchanged for the applicable period, use Recovery Mode. Apple specifically provides different guidance for these two situations.
What If the iPhone Shows “Connect to Computer”?
If you see the cable/computer recovery screen, the iPhone is already in Recovery Mode.
Connect it to:
- Finder on Mac
- Apple Devices on Windows
- iTunes on older supported systems
Then follow the recovery instructions.
Try Update first when available and appropriate.
Do Not Start With DFU Mode
You may find articles telling you to immediately put the iPhone into DFU Mode.
I would not make that the default recommendation on this page.
Apple’s current public troubleshooting path for an iPhone that cannot start normally centers on:
Force Restart → Recovery Mode → Update → Restore if necessary → Service if recovery fails.
Generic DFU instructions copied from another iPhone model can also be confusing because the button sequence varies.
For a consumer troubleshooting article, the safer approach is to follow Apple’s supported recovery process first.
Why Is My iPhone Stuck on the Apple Logo?
Several different problems can produce the same symptom.
Possible causes include:
- Temporary iOS startup failure
- Interrupted iOS update
- Incomplete restore
- Incomplete device migration
- Insufficient power
- Corrupted system software
- A failed recovery process
- Physical damage
- Liquid damage
- Battery problems
- Other hardware failures
The Apple logo by itself does not identify the cause.
That’s why the safest troubleshooting method is to start with the least destructive solution and progressively move toward recovery.
Why Does My iPhone Keep Restarting?
- A repeated restart can happen when the iPhone cannot complete the startup process.
- The cause may be software or hardware.
- If a force restart fixes it, the problem may have been temporary.
- If the phone repeatedly returns to the Apple logo, Recovery Mode Update is the next important step.
- If Recovery Mode cannot update or restore the device, Apple recommends service.
Will a Force Restart Delete Everything?
No. A force restart does not intentionally erase your personal data. It simply forces the iPhone to restart. However, you should distinguish this from:
Recovery Mode Update → designed to reinstall iOS without intentionally erasing data.
Recovery Mode Restore → erases the iPhone.
Always choose the least destructive option first.
Will Recovery Mode Delete My Data?
It depends on what you select.
Update
The Update option attempts to reinstall iOS without intentionally erasing your personal data.
Restore
The Restore option erases the iPhone.
Apple explicitly warns that Restore erases all data on the device.
Can I Fix an iPhone Boot Loop Without Losing Data?
Often, yes.
Start with:
- Force Restart
- Allow an active update or migration to finish
- Charge the iPhone if power is uncertain
- Recovery Mode → Update
Do not choose Restore simply because the first force restart failed.
If Recovery Mode Update fails and the data is extremely important, consider professional assistance before performing an erasing Restore.
What If I Don’t Have an iCloud Backup?
Be careful.
If the iPhone cannot boot and the data exists only on the device, an erasing Restore can permanently remove that local data.
Before choosing Restore, determine whether your information may already be synchronized with:
- iCloud Photos
- iCloud Backup
- iCloud Contacts
- Messages in iCloud
- Other cloud services
- A computer backup
If the data is irreplaceable and no backup exists, preservation of the data may be more important than immediately reinstalling iOS.
When Should I Stop Trying to Fix It Myself?
Stop DIY troubleshooting and seek professional help if:
- The battery is swollen.
- The screen is lifting.
- The phone becomes dangerously hot.
- There is liquid damage.
- The charging connector is physically damaged.
- A required button is broken.
- Recovery Mode cannot update or restore the phone.
- The same recovery error repeatedly appears.
- The computer cannot reliably communicate with the iPhone.
- A Restore succeeds but the same boot loop immediately returns.
- The device contains irreplaceable data and the next step would erase it.
Apple recommends service when an iPhone cannot be updated or restored through Recovery Mode or when a damaged button prevents the recovery process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Repeatedly force restarting during an active update
If the progress bar is actually moving, allow the process to finish.
2. Choosing Restore immediately
Try Update first because Restore erases the iPhone.
3. Releasing the Side button too early
When entering Recovery Mode on newer iPhones, keep holding the Side button until the Recovery Mode screen appears.
4. Assuming the phone is permanently damaged
One failed restart or one failed update does not prove hardware failure.
5. Repeating Restore over and over
If the same recovery error keeps occurring, repeated restores are unlikely to solve an underlying hardware or connection problem.
6. Using random firmware files
Do not install firmware obtained from an unknown website just because a forum says it will fix the boot loop.
7. Opening the iPhone unnecessarily
The official software recovery process does not require opening the phone.
8. Ignoring a swollen battery
A swollen battery is a safety problem, not simply another troubleshooting step.
Quick Fix Order
If you want the shortest version of this guide, follow this sequence:
Apple logo with no progress bar
Force Restart → Recovery Mode → Update → Restore if necessary → Service
Apple logo with progress bar
Wait → Keep connected to power → If genuinely stuck, Recovery Mode → Update
Apple logo repeatedly appears and disappears
Disconnect accessories → Force Restart → Recovery Mode → Update
Recovery Mode Update fails
Record the error → Check cable/computer connection → Try recovery again → Consider Restore if data loss is acceptable
Restore repeatedly fails
Stop repeated restores → Seek professional/Apple service
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my iPhone stuck on the Apple logo?
It means the iPhone is not completing its startup process. Possible causes include software problems, an incomplete update or restore, insufficient power, or hardware problems
Why does my iPhone keep showing the Apple logo and restarting?
This is commonly called a boot loop or restart loop. The phone is repeatedly attempting to start but is not successfully completing startup.
What is the first thing I should try?
Perform a force restart using the correct button sequence for your iPhone model.
What if the force restart doesn’t work?
Connect the iPhone to a Mac or Windows PC and use Recovery Mode. Try Update before Restore.
Should I choose Update or Restore?
Choose Update first if it is available and you have not already tried it. Restore erases the iPhone.
Does Recovery Mode Update erase my data?
The Update option attempts to reinstall iOS without intentionally erasing your personal data. No recovery method can guarantee data preservation if the device or storage has a serious hardware failure.
Does Restore erase everything?
Yes. Apple states that Recovery Mode Restore erases the iPhone.
How long should I wait on the Apple logo?
There is no single normal startup time. If there is a progress bar after an update, restore, or migration, allow the process to continue. For the specific situation of restoring from a backup or migrating from another device, Apple says to check whether the progress bar has remained unchanged for at least one hour before using Recovery Mode.
Can a low battery cause a restart loop?
Insufficient power can prevent an iPhone from completing startup. If the battery may be very low, charge it and then try the correct force restart.
Is an iPhone boot loop always a hardware problem?
No. Software problems can produce the same symptom. Hardware becomes more suspicious when the problem follows physical damage, liquid exposure, dangerous heat, repeated recovery failures, or other hardware symptoms.
Should I use DFU Mode?
Do not make DFU Mode your first step. Start with Force Restart and Apple’s Recovery Mode process. If standard recovery fails, professional service may be more appropriate than following generic DFU instructions.
Related iPhone Fixes
- iPhone Stuck in Recovery Mode Fix
- iPhone Black Screen or Won’t Turn On Fix
- iPhone White Screen of Death Fix
- iPhone Not Charging Fix
- iPhone Stuck on Loading Screen
Official Sources
Official sources checked: July 25, 2026
Apple Support
Page: If your iPhone won’t turn on or the screen is black
Direct verified URL: https://support.apple.com/en-us/116940
URL status: Verified accessible on July 25, 2026
Supports:
- Force-restart sequences
- Charging for one hour when the iPhone will not turn on
- Seeking service when the phone still will not start
Scope limitation:
This page primarily addresses an iPhone that will not turn on or has a black screen. The force-restart instructions also apply to an unresponsive startup screen.
Apple Support
Page: If your iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo
Direct verified URL: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102474
URL status: Verified accessible on July 25, 2026
Supports:
- The one-hour threshold after backup restoration or device migration
- Model-specific Recovery Mode button sequences
- Choosing Update instead of Restore to avoid intentional erasure
- The warning that Restore erases the iPhone
Scope limitation:
The one-hour progress-bar instructions apply to iOS 13 or later after restoring from a backup or migrating from another device.
Apple Support
Page: Apple logo with progress bar after updating or restoring iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
Direct verified URL: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102317
URL status: Verified accessible on July 25, 2026
Supports:
- Progress bars moving slowly or appearing temporarily static
- Keeping the device connected during migration
- Keeping the device connected to power during an over-the-air update
- Force restarting or requesting service when the process does not complete
Scope limitation:
This page covers an Apple logo with a progress bar after an update, restore, or erase operation.
Apple Support
Page: If you can’t update or restore your iPhone or iPod touch
Direct verified URL: https://support.apple.com/en-us/118106
URL status: Verified accessible on July 25, 2026
Supports:
- Recovery Mode conditions
- Current Finder and Apple Devices workflow
- Model-specific Recovery Mode instructions
- Trying Update before Restore when Update has not already been attempted
- The data-erasure warning for Restore
- Repeating Recovery Mode when a download exceeds 15 minutes
- Seeking service when recovery fails or a button is damaged
Scope limitation:
Computer application availability varies by operating system. The page also includes older iPhone and iPod touch models.
How This Guide Was Verified
Last technically checked: July 25, 2026
Research method:
The existing published article was audited against current Apple Support documentation. Exact Apple pages were opened, titles and procedures were checked, data-loss warnings were compared, and the direct destination URLs were rechecked before output.
Physically tested:
No official documentation reviewed.
Applies to:
Supported iPhone models that remain on the Apple logo, repeatedly restart during startup, or show an Apple-logo progress bar that does not complete.
Important limitation:
The correct response depends on whether the screen has no progress bar, has a moving progress bar, shows the Connect-to-computer screen, or becomes completely black. Computer applications and cable types also vary by iPhone and computer.
Data-loss risk:
High only when Restore is selected. Force restart and Recovery Mode Update do not intentionally erase personal data, but no recovery procedure can guarantee preservation when the device or storage is damaged.
Final Answer
If your iPhone is stuck on the Apple logo or keeps restarting, don’t immediately erase it.
Use this order:
- Identify whether there is a progress bar.
- If there is no progress bar, perform a Force Restart.
- If a progress bar is active, allow the update, restore, or migration to finish.
- If the restart loop continues, use Recovery Mode.
- Choose Update first.
- Use Restore only when you accept that the iPhone will be erased.
- If Recovery Mode repeatedly fails, or the phone has physical damage, seek professional service.
The safest troubleshooting principle is simple: Start with the least destructive fix and only move to data-erasing recovery when safer options have failed.